"We love good things as much as 'Aishah does." So she spoke to him, but he did not reply her. When her turn came again, she spoke to him again, but he did not reply her. They said to her: "How did he respond?" She said: "He did not answer me." They said: "Do not leave him alone until he answers you or you comprehend what he says." When her turn came again, she spoke to him and he said: 'Do not bother me about 'Aishah, for the Revelation has never come to me under the blanket of any of you apart from the blanket of 'Aishah.'"
The Book of the Kind Treatment of Women - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3950
This narration from the blessed wife of the Prophet ﷺ demonstrates the unique status of 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) among the Mothers of the Believers. The Prophet's ﷺ response, though delayed, was profound in its meaning and significance.
Scholarly Commentary
The initial silence of the Prophet ﷺ was not out of neglect but rather reflected his wisdom in choosing the appropriate moment to address a matter of such sensitivity. When he finally responded, he clarified that divine revelation descending while he was under 'Aishah's blanket was a special distinction from Allah, not a matter of personal preference.
Classical scholars explain this as an honor bestowed upon 'Aishah by Allah Himself, indicating her purity and the special place she held in conveying Islamic knowledge. This incident teaches us about marital relations, patience in seeking answers, and recognizing that divine blessings are distributed according to Allah's wisdom.
The other wives' persistence demonstrates the importance of seeking clarification in matters of faith and relationship, while the Prophet's ﷺ ultimate response shows how to address delicate matters with truth and wisdom, without causing unnecessary hurt to others.